Thus, in a miserable chaos
of emotion, unable to grasp any fixed thought, the hours passed
away. Towards evening, he heard a footstep approaching, and sprang
up. It was Moses.
The latter was engaged, with the consent of his parents and
expected to "pass meeting" in a few weeks. He knew what had
happened, and felt a sincere sympathy for Richard, for whom he had
a cordial regard. His face was very grave, but kind.
"Thee'd better come in, Richard," said he; "the evenings are damp,
and I v'e brought thy overcoat. I know everything, and I feel that
it must be a great cross for thee. But thee won't be alone in
bearing it."
"Do you think there is no hope of your father relenting?" he asked,
in a tone of despondency which anticipated the answer.
"Father's very hard to move," said Moses; "and when mother and
Asenath can't prevail on him, nobody else need try. I'm afraid
thee must make up thy mind to the trial. I'm sorry to say it,
Richard, but I think thee'd better go back to town."
"I'll go to-morrow,--go and die!" he muttered hoarsely, as he
followed Moses to the house.
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